Sourcing replacement umbrella handles from China

UK duty on replacement umbrella handles

Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 26 October 2026, heading 6603 covers parts, trimmings and accessories of umbrellas and walking sticks. Replacement umbrella handles fall within handles and knobs, code 6603 90 10 00, with 0% duty for goods from China. The supplied tariff data lists no anti-dumping or countervailing duty and no suspension for this line.

The UK Trade Tariff attaches CITES import and export controls and a seal-products import control. CITES specimens include items made from animal or plant parts or derivatives. Confirm the species and applicable import documents with your customs broker before shipping from China. Seal products imported into Great Britain for trade must have a seal catch certificate; ask your broker to confirm eligibility before ordering any seal-derived trim.

All handle styles in the table share the same tariff line. Confirm the material, intended use and shipment contents through finding your commodity code. See umbrella frames and parts for the wider heading.

Specify the shaft connection and grip

Send an actual umbrella shaft and an approved handle sample. Specify the socket shape, internal diameter, insertion depth, thread or fixing method, and permitted fit variation. For handles with an opening button, agree button position, travel and clearance against the umbrella mechanism. Confirm whether adhesive, screws or inserts are included.

Specify the grip material, colour, texture, coating and curved-handle orientation. For rubber and plastic grips in direct, prolonged skin contact, confirm applicable UK REACH restrictions on polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons with the relevant authority. Ask for material-specific test reports covering the supplied grip and coating. Consumer products supplied in Great Britain must be safe in normal or reasonably foreseeable use; assess the fitted handle as well as the loose component.

Worked duty example

Illustrative example, not a quote: Illustrative order: 2,000 replacement umbrella handles; FOB value and freight are illustrative. under 6603 90 10 00, invoiced at £7,600 free on board, with £1,800 of freight and insurance to the UK. The customs value is £9,400. Duty at 0% is £0. Import VAT at 20% is charged on the customs value plus duty, £9,400, so it is £1,880. With no duty, the only import tax is the VAT, which a VAT-registered importer can usually reclaim. The import duty and VAT guide explains each step.

Inspection checklist

Fit: measure sockets and threads against the agreed drawing, then assemble sampled handles onto your actual shafts.

Fixing: pull and twist fitted handles using the agreed method; check for movement, cracking and loose inserts.

Operation: check button alignment, return and clearance, and open and close the assembled umbrella without snagging.

Finish and packing: check moulding seams, sharp edges, coating transfer and surface damage; compare colours and keep each fitting type identifiable. Use the quality inspection guide to organise the checks.

What goes wrong

A similar-looking handle can have the wrong socket depth, thread or button position. It may sit crooked, turn on the shaft or obstruct the opening mechanism. Coatings can rub off, wooden sockets can split during fitting, and loose inserts can let the handle detach.

Approve samples fitted to your own umbrella before production. Keep the approved drawing and sample available for inspection, and agree how incompatible or damaged handles will be separated on arrival. Treat a change in grip compound, insert or coating as a reason to review fit and material evidence.

Cambridge China Bridge sources these products for UK businesses, checking the factory and the documents before shipment. See factory verification. For own-brand ranges, see sourcing for brands.